Pat Parker is the Fire Chief of the Grand Traverse Metro Emergency Services Authority. Pat holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University. Chief Parker is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy, holds the Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) Certificate from the State of Michigan, and is a practicing Paramedic. Mr. Parker is a 33 year veteran of the fire service with the first 21 years as part-paid firefighter/officer and the last 12 years as the career fire chief. Grand Traverse Metro is a combination fire department serving three large metropolitan townships in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. His department protects 100 square miles, 35,000 people, and $2.3 Billion in value with the resources of 5 stations along with 89 firefighters. He serves his State Fire Associations as a board member and is active in numerous County advisory boards and community service.